Bluevale Collegiate Institute is a high school in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Run by the Waterloo Region District School Board, Bluevale is one of the larger high schools in Waterloo Region with approximately 1,300 students and teaches academic, applied and open level courses for grades 9-12. The school opened in 1972 under the direction of principal Robert Chilton, initially with grades 9 through 11, adding grades 12, and then 13 in subsequent years. Bluevale's new territory took in students previously registered at Cameron Heights, KCI, and WCI. As of 2017, the principal is Deborah Tyrrell.
Motto and colours
The school colours are maroon, powder blue and white, and the school's motto is "Non Quis Sed Quid", meaning "It's not who you are, but what you are." Bluevale's mascot is a knight, named Norm.
Academic programs
University and college-level subject areas include Science, Mathematics, English, Languages, Business, Music, Visual Arts, Technology, History, Geography,
Pre-advanced placement courses are offered in various areas of study including English, French, Science and Mathematics. Pre-Advanced Placement has no set curriculum from the AP organization; rather, the pre-AP course is designed by the departments to prepare the students for the rigour of the AP courses.
Advanced Placement courses are offered in the senior grades at Bluevale Collegiate. Courses in Advanced Placement follow an approved curriculum that leads to the equivalent of a university credit from participating universities.
Bluevale's "Choose to Lead" program is offered to incoming Grade 9 students whose home school is in the Bluevale community and who successfully complete the application and screening processes.
OYAP
Co-op: students can choose from a variety of placements in many different employment settings
Bluevale provides opportunities for participation in athletics including intramurals, team sports and individual-based programs. These opportunities include rugby, football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, track and field, cross-country, curling, skiing, hockey, badminton and other teams. The school participates in WCSSAA. Many BCI teams have won WCSSAA and CWOSSA titles and have performed well at the Provincial level, including most recently the cross-country teams, swim team, basketball and volleyball squads. The SeniorBoys and Girls Rugby teams both won WCCSSA championships in 2013. The Senior girls rugby team then placed in the top ten in all-Ontario competition. The BCI girls' field hockey team have won two consecutive OFSAA championships while also medalling in the 2014 and 2015 campaigns.
Arts programs
The school's arts program offers Music, Dance, and Visual Arts. In addition, there are two different choirs, two bands, and some small ensembles. The main choir had over 100 members in 2013. The music program features instrumental, vocal and guitar courses. In 2003, Bluevale hosted the first annual provincial "DanceFest", a competition and showcase for dance teams from schools across Ontario to celebrate student choreography and collaboration through workshops, performance and professional adjudication. In 2015, Ontario Secondary School DANCEFEST became a Not-for-Profit organization providing knowledge, creativity and educational development to more than 450 student dancers, teachers and dance professionals at their provincial event in Niagara Falls at the Scotiabank Convention Centre. Drama students perform at the National Theatre School Drama Festival competitions each year and in their annual Fall Showcase. The Visual Arts program provides many opportunities for students to challenge their creativity though works of art using many mediums. Opportunities to showcase their work are provided in a variety of displays throughout the school year.
Other clubs
Like other schools in the region, Bluevale consistently has a high extracurricular participation rate, due to Students Council and the large number of clubs at the school. From business competitions to Fishing Club to the Environment Club, the school offers opportunities for personal growth through various staff and student-run activities. The school often partners with other high schools in the region for special events such as Relay for Life, an event that raises money for cancer research.
Notable alumni
Todd Brooker - An Olympic skier, who was a member of Canada's national ski team from 1976-1987. He won three Alpine skiing World Cup titles.
Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue - The most decorated Olympic figure skaters in history, having won 5 Olympic medals in ice dancing over three winter Olympics. They attended 2003-2004 while training at the KW skating club.
